FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

I bring you greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  As we are in the midst of the season of Lent, let us take time to reflect on the life of our Jesus who went without to prepare for the ultimate task of giving his life for us.

The question that confronts me has to do with what we should do in response to God’s great love for us.  Jesus spent much of his ministry tending to those whom the world had often forgotten.  Who in our society is forgotten?  Sometimes we overlook the poor and the needy.  At times, we minimize the role of our children and youth.  Those who are sick or shut-in can not always be with the rest of us.  Jesus had time for them all.  Jesus was willing to sacrifice to be what God called him to be.

This month, reflect with me on “A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition” from page 607 of the United Methodist Hymnal.

I am no longer my own, but Thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee.
Exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, Let me be empty.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Thou art mine, I am Thine.  So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.  Amen.

May this prayer become a reality as we walk with our suffering Savior.